I know this one but I want to have a similar design. Maybe the IOM Ncore if not available (100€ cheaper)Worth noting that this is pretty much the same amplifier in a different enclosure, for quite a bit less money
AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC RCA Power Amplifier Class D Stereo Ncore NC252MP 2x250W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics
The Audiophonics MPA-S252NC XLR is a stereo amplifier based on an amplification module Hypex Ncore NC252MP. This solution is ideal for anyone who wants to have a large power reserve (2x150W) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.www.audiophonics.fr
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That is the same. Just turn it all the way up.
The VibeLink costs less, is slightly better visual match to WiiM Ultra streamer when stacked vertically, quieter pop noises when powering up. It also offers an analog volume attenuator (but no remote control).
)Hi BYeah, I'm sure the relative merits of both have been covered here and elsewhere.
My gut feeling is that, like many things in this crazy hobby, it depends - on your room, speakers, how hard you like to drive them, preferences, ears and brain etc. I personally don't think it's always necessary to go into the minutiae and chase every last db/ ounce of gain as @EddNog can appear to do, better to try and get your hands on the equipment and try it out. I feel some jumped at the IOM because it came to market before the Vibelink, perhaps was more of a visual match to the Ultra, and for those who like that sort of thing, it has the fashionable buzzwords like "Hypex Ncore driven amplifier" etc.
I think my vibelink is a good match for my Ultra and my Linn M109 speakers in my small to medium sized room and moderate listening levels (i.e. nobody asks me to turn the volume down - or up for that matter
YMMV...
My take on this is somewhere between the "extremes" as I would call them.
My take on this is somewhere between the "extremes" as I would call them.
All classic Quad amps went through a couple of different revisions and I'm pretty sure IAG Quad will respect such updates when revising old gear (if the PCB allows for it). This is probably a little strict but I can understand their manufacturers point of view. There have been edge cases where Quad insisted on replacing components according to the silk screening on the PCB when every other Quad shop said that this printing is in error.
Some of the unofficial Quad modders are taking things a bit too far for my taste. I see no point in trying to completely change the character of a device. I also wouldn't want to employ any change that could impact the legendary robustness of the Quad amps ("unconditionally stable into any load").
I've been quite happy with the way DaDa Electronics did approach the upgrade business, which has always been on the mindful side. But sadly they are no more. First the owner and his engineer split, next the forum disappeared and finally the shop was taken down. Reportedly after having taken orders from some paying customers that wouldn't be fulfilled. I have no first hand information what has happened there, but it's all history.
Would I recommend a 405 or 606 to any WiiM Ultra owner who doesn't already own it? Tough question. Obviously, they can only be bought second hand and will usually need to be refurbished. It's probably only worth it if you can do that yourself or if you have a pair of Quad ESL or ESL 63 coming along with the amp.
